something attributed to Osler and applies to prostate cancer when you have been treated-“the well wear a crown that only the sick can see.”

Something I give to all my patients who are leaning for the surgical removal of the prostate is a part of a chapter from Patrick Walsh’s book on prostate cancer. It has to do with post-prostatectomy incontinence. The beauty of the piece is that Dr. Walsh thoroughly vets the unpredictable nature of this issue. I have said to patients, “I have done hundreds of these, I do them the exact same way with every precaution regarding continence, but I cannot tell you you will be dry or if you are when that will happen.” The excerpt of this particular chapter makes this point and I feel that giving the couple the article enhances and reinforces this concept. Walsh quotes Osler, “The well wear a crown seen only by the sick.” I love that saying. I get it. You have to be sick once to truly feel it. I have been…

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Dr. McHugh: What is your opinion of Dr. Walsh that external catheters are a bad idea for post surgery incontinence given that you wore them for three months upon which you were continent? Why do you think they were helpful for you in terms of regaining continence? I have recently switched to external catheters from pads but is this the wrong thing to do?